CHESTERMERE – On Thursday March 1, a free presentation about youth and drugs will be offered at Chestermere Lake Middle School.
Dwayne Peace, facilitator of the Dare to Care program, will be at the school to do a presentation called “The Truth About Drugs.”
The staff and administration had approached Peace about returning to the school this year, as he did a presentation last year as well. Although the turnout was low, those who attended said it was a beneficial presentation and that more people should be given the chance to attend. So, the CLMS parent council funded the presentation to bring it back for a second year, as they felt it was important for both parents and students.
The March 1 evening presentation is intended for an adult audience, but everyone is encouraged to bring a friend or two. CLMS students will receive a presentation from Dare to Care at a separate time, along with teachers and supervisors, during school hours.
The CLMS Parent Council is urging anyone in the community, not just CLMS parents, to attend the session.
Members of the parent council said that Peace is a “dynamic presenter” and will provided a powerful presentation.
“He has over twenty years experience with policing, he has worked as a school resource officer, and he brings a unique perspective to sharing information about drugs,” said a parent council e-mail. “Parents and students will have the best information to make decision regarding the use of drugs.
“Parents will be informed about the effects of drugs and how to support their children. Students will learn the effects of drugs on their bodies, and minds.”
The Dare to Care program is a fully comprehensive approach to dealing with bullying and challenges within school communities, including drugs. They provide a comprehensive approach that involves students, teachers, parents and the community in an effort to eliminate bullying and other dangerous behaviors from their schools and, in turn, create an atmosphere of tolerance and respect.
The Dare to Care program helps school communities, from Kindergarten to Grade 12 create a common language, which then allows for more consistent intervention and follow through when dealing with challenging issues.
The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. on March 1, and will be held at CLMS.
